Cricket Shepparton reschedules for November start

THE start of the 2020/21 Cricket Shepparton season has been pushed back and will commence on Saturday, November 7, after some clubs have had problems getting permission granted from local councils to use their facilities.

The season was initially scheduled to start this Saturday, October 17.

The decision was made at an online meeting last week attended by club presidents.

“While most clubs have been successful in dealing with local councils and getting permission to train and play, we had some clubs who were delayed in getting permission granted until yesterday, some who received permission today and one club still waiting, hopefully they will hear an answer tomorrow,” Cricket Shepparton president, David D’Elia, said last week.

“As a result, the general consensus was that it wouldn’t be fair to start when clubs had limited training before round one.”

The season will comprise of 45-over one day games through to December 19 before the Christmas break, before returning on Saturday, January 9, to play a three-round T20 competition on January 9, 16 and 23.

Regular one-day competition will recommence on Saturday, January 30. The last six rounds will be played using white cricket balls and clubs wearing their coloured uniforms.

Finals will commence from March 13, with a grand final scheduled for Saturday, March 27, with Sunday, March 28, reserved as the spare day for the grand final if required.

“It’s a bit different to our usual season but we have to adapt to COVID cricket,” Mr D’Elia said.

“Congratulations to all clubs for the work put in so far to get us back training and a huge thank you to the councils who have helped get most clubs back onto grounds.”